Spinach and Apple Salad with CranberriesDescription:
This Spinach and Apple Salad with Cranberries is a refreshing, light, and nutrient-rich dish perfect as a side or a light main course. The crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts blend beautifully with tender baby spinach, while the tangy-sweet vinaigrette ties everything together. It’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or even as a holiday table starter.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
6 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
1 large apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp work well), thinly sliced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (toasted, optional)
1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until fully combined and emulsified.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine spinach, sliced apples, dried cranberries, nuts, and red onion.
3. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
4. Add Toppings:
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top if using.
5. Serve:
Serve immediately as a side or light meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approx.):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~210 kcal
Protein 3–5 g
Carbohydrates 18–22 g
Sugars 12–15 g
Fat 14–16 g
Saturated Fat 2–3 g
Fiber 3–4 g
Sodium ~180 mg
Vitamin A ~60% DV
Vitamin C ~25% DV
Iron ~10% DV
Calcium ~8% DV
Note: Values vary based on apple size, dressing amount, and if cheese is added.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What kind of apples are best?
A: Crisp, slightly sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best. You can also use Granny Smith for a tangier flavor.
Q2: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the components ahead of time but do not dress the salad until ready to serve to avoid sogginess. Keep apples in lemon water to prevent browning.
Q3: Is it vegan?
A: Yes, it can be vegan if you skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese and swap honey for maple syrup in the dressing.
Q4: Can I add protein?
A: Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, tofu, or hard-boiled eggs pair well to make it a more complete meal.
Q5: How do I toast the nuts?
A: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add nuts, and toast for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, stirring often. Let cool before adding.
Variations:
Add grains: Mix in cooked quinoa or farro for a heartier bowl.
Swap greens: Use arugula or kale instead of spinach.
Fruit twist: Try pears, mandarin oranges, or pomegranate seeds.
Nut-free: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of walnuts.